Saturday, October 30, 2010

Climbing Leith Hill

Wonderful walk today from Holmwood to Forest Green, returning via Leith Hill and Coldharbour. Eleven miles, autumn colours and houses belonging to famous Surrey residents like Ralph Vaughn-Williams & Charles Darwin  -visiting his sister who married a Wedgewood- in every direction.  Full marks to the staff at The Parrot for good soup served so quickly even though the pub was brimming.

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A great avenue of Limes leading to a pond, paths softened by leaf fall or densely muddy and views of the South Downs providing the backdrop for the Surrey and Sussex Weald.

Well worth tired legs and a good test for my new walking boots.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Thames Path –walk one

Arranging a date for the first walk of our Thames Path Journey was a challenge given the diaries of those of us who have decided to make it one of those things we do (or rather, we start) this year! So it was great to start and walking the first 4.5 miles from the Thames Barrier to Greenwich was a real pleasure on Tuesday (11 10 2010). It was slightly cool in the wind as we made our way from Charlton Station to a start that’s dominated by the silver wings of the Barrier.

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But as Sue, Cecelia and I walked west towards Greenwich the sun came out and lit up the industrial landscapes of Charlton and Blackwell that surround the mouth of this wonderful river.

A diversion took us very close the heavy traffic queuing to enter the Blackwell Tunnel and past an artist in residence on a road bridge –the subject on the canvas was hard to identify but definitely something in oils!

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We soon reached Greenwich and its abundance of maritime history. There was time for photos at the Prime Meridian and to admire the architecture and paintings of the Great Hall and the Chapel where we listened briefly to the lunchtime recital. 

P1020687Our return journey to Waterloo by River Bus completed a great first walk .. next time Greenwich to the Tower and lots more history.  Join us if you can …